New Mom’s Respite (Afternoon Series) - Mar. 5, 2022

Moms who gave birth during the pandemic experienced unusual and unpredictable stresses due to isolation, and lack of social support. Dreams of creating a social network for their baby and themselves while on a maternity leave suddenly evaporated. This program aims to build resilience and fosters community. Mom’s will have an opportunity to explore new ways of coping and to re-imagine a way forward.

These 3-hour afternoon sessions will occur 3 times during the year and will include tea, treats conversation and creative expression. Each session is independent, and participants can sign up for one or all 3.

Directors:

Sr. Ger Curran, is a member of the Society of Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). Originally from Ireland, Sr. Ger joined the FCJ Centre Resource Team in the fall of 2015. Ger has worked as a counsellor for many years in various settings. Before that, she served as school administrator and teacher in a high school in Ireland. She is a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Before qualifying as an accredited Counsellor, Ger completed a Master's degree in Family Counselling from the University of Iona, New York. Since coming to Canada, Ger is working in the areas of counselling, interfaith matters, and helping refugee families. She is a member of the Calgary Interfaith Council and Calgary Council of Christians and Jews.

Suzanne Clease MPS-AT, CCC, PCAT, BEd. Suzanne is a psychotherapist, professional art therapist, facilitator and a fibre artist who dabbles in acrylics and creates mixed media representations. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Spirituality with Art Therapy Specialization and is a registered member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Her community experiences include Kids Help Phone as a crisis responder, Roots of Empathy, Calgary Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s Society, WP Puppet Theatre, Creative Aging Calgary Society and Pastoral Care. Suzanne integrates her professional and volunteer experiences and education to provide counselling and transformative retreats.